Close

id library: Golden Opulence, 500 Years of Luxuriant Style by Laurence Benaïm

This volume has been imagined as a timely counterpart to the brand’s Golden Opulence exhibition.

Although the very idea of luxury might seem to be a modern concept developed over the last decades only, the history of luxury is as old as the history of humanity. The earliest human societies were not merely content to meet their physical needs. Many ornaments crafted thousands of years ago provide evidence of the pleasure human beings took in possessing special objects. 

The beauty of unique “turqueries,” the splendor of the Topkapı Palace, the magnificience of delicate decorative arts… Whoever speaks of five centuries of luxury cannot fail to feel the power of such a heritage, which makes everything bigger and grander, drawing new forms and combinations from each motif. Even in the twenty-first century, this heritage continues to inspire, enthrall and summon up dreams. And celebrating five hundred years of luxuriant style means immersing ourselves in history and basking in a way of life that is one of a kind – it means finding in the past the inspirations that give the present its brilliance.

Developed in partnership with the Turkish luxury-fashion leader Beymen for its fiftieth anniversary, this volume has been imagined as a timely counterpart to the brand’s Golden Opulence exhibition at the Tophane-i Amire Culture and Art Center in Istanbul. A true ode to the art of living, the book features fashion pieces designed for the brand only and photographed exclusively by Laziz Hamani, from Alexander McQueen and Valentino to Erdem and Victoria Beckham. Golden Opulence, 500 Years of Luxuriant Style celebrates the beauty of Ottoman savoir faire, becoming along the way the ultimate reference for fashion and luxury enthusiasts.

Inspired by the Ottoman palaces on the Bosphorus, this grand dining room is made complete with cushions embroidered with metal thread. Photography by James Mcdonald

Inspired by the Ottoman palaces on the Bosphorus, this grand dining room is made complete with cushions embroidered with metal thread. Photography by James Mcdonald

The Author

Journalist and writer Laurence Benaïm is the author of the biographies on Yves Saint Laurent, Marie-Laure de Noailles and Jean-Michel Frank (Grasset, 2001, 2017, 2018), in addition to La Sidération (Stock, 2021) and Paris, capitale de Guerlain (Flammarion, 2021). She has written several books on fashion and style history for Assouline, including Yves Saint Laurent: The Impossible Collection (2020), Orientalism Style (2022), Carita (2022) and Guerlain: An Imperial Icon (2023)

The Latest

Designing Movement

RIMOWA’s signature grooved aluminium meets Vitra’s refined design sensibilities

A Sense of Sanctuary

We interview Tanuj Goenka, Director of Kerry Hill Architects (KHA) on the development of the latest Aman Residences in Dubai

Elevated Design

In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Aseer region, DLR Group has redefined hospitality through bold architecture, regional resonance and a contemporary lens on culture at Hilton The Point

Turkish furniture house BYKEPI opens its first flagship in Dubai

Located in the Art of Living, the new BYKEPI store adds to the brand's international expansion.

Yla Audace collection

Yla launches Audace – where metal transforms into sculptural elegance

The UAE-based luxury furniture atelier reimagines the role of metal in interior design through its inaugural collection.

Step inside Al Huzaifa Design Studio’s latest project

The studio has announced the completion of a bespoke holiday villa project in Fujairah.

Soulful Sanctuary

We take you inside a British design duo’s Tulum vacation home

A Sculptural Ode to the Sea

Designed by Killa Design, this bold architectural statement captures the spirit of superyachts and sustainability, and the evolution of Dubai’s coastline

Elevate Your Reading Space

Assouline’s new objects and home fragrances collection are an ideal complement to your reading rituals

All Aboard

What it will be like aboard the world’s largest residential yacht, the ULYSSIA?

Inside The Charleston

A tribute to Galle Fort’s complex heritage, The Charleston blends Art Deco elegance with Sri Lankan artistry and Bawa-infused modernism

buddha bar dubai marina

Design Take: Buddha Bar

We unveil the story behind the iconic design of the much-loved Buddha Bar in Grosvenor House.